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Ireland's iconic road trip adventure
Rural towns. Rugged beauty. Irish culture. This is the ultimate road trip around the Emerald Isle.
Embark on an unforgettable Irish road trip with colorful towns, iconic landmarks, and scenic views at every turn. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
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There’s no better way to explore Ireland than by car. Sure, many of us will need to get comfortable driving on the left side of the road, but the freedom to roam this enchanting island at your own pace is absolutely worth it.
Need to pull over for a photo of a sheep herd holding up traffic? Done. Looking to follow a rainbow to its end? Go for it. Maybe you just want the option to detour, exploring winding roads and charming, off-the-map pubs. Behind the wheel, you're in charge.
Follow along for a mix of must-visit stops and suggested detours that showcase Ireland’s incredible landscapes, cultural treasures and hidden gems. This route, inspired by personal experience and a love for the open road, captures the best of what the Emerald Isle has to offer.
Stop 1: Dublin, Ireland’s capital
Before your road trip, start in Dublin, the perfect introduction to Ireland, blending centuries of history with modern energy. At Trinity College, marvel at the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript over 1,200 years old, and walk through the Long Room, a library straight out of a fantasy novel. Enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse while taking in panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar and learn the history behind this iconic Irish beer. If you’re staying the night, let that one pint turn into two and embark on a pub crawl through Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural hub, where cobblestone streets hum with live music and vibrant street art.
Stop 2: Medieval charm in Kilkenny
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Just south of Dublin, Kilkenny’s medieval roots come alive in its architecture and stories. Explore Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 to guard a river crossing, and stroll the Medieval Mile, where narrow streets lead to historic sites like St. Canice’s Cathedral. Its round tower is one of the few in Ireland you can climb. Kilkenny is also known for its thriving arts scene, so make sure to visit local craft shops and galleries.
Stop 3: The royal past of The Rock of Cashel
Drive time: 1 hour
West of Kilkenny, the Rock of Cashel rises dramatically above the lush countryside. This ancient site was once the seat of the kings of Munster and was later gifted to the church. Explore its Gothic cathedral, round tower and intricately carved High Cross. Legend has it that St. Patrick came here to baptize King Aengus in the 5th century.
Stop 4: Ireland’s scenic crown jewel
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Approaching Ireland’s coast, Killarney marks the start of the 179-kilometer Ring of Kerry, a loop showcasing Ireland’s most scenic landscapes. Stop at Ladies View, a famous vantage point offering sweeping panoramas of Killarney National Park (home to the 19th-centry Muckross House and Torc Waterfall), including the Upper Lake, Black Valley, and surrounding mountains. Its lush greenery, shimmering lakes, and layered hills have made it one of Ireland’s most iconic spots. Explore charming towns like Sneem, known for its colorful cottages, and Waterville, a lovely seafront town and Charlie Chaplin’s favorite Irish retreat.
Stop 5: Rugged beauty and ancient lore in Dingle Peninsula
Drive time: 2 hours
Less than an hour from the Atlantic, the Dingle Peninsula offers some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs plunging into the sea, winding roads flanked by green pastures, and breathtaking views at every turn. Drive the Slea Head loop, where you’ll pass ancient beehive huts (early monastic dwellings) and views of the Blasket Islands, steeped in Irish history and folklore. In Dingle town, a colorful and lively hub, you’ll find the iconic Dingle Harbor and the Eask Tower, a stone lookout offering panoramic views of the bay. Enjoy traditional music sessions in pubs, meet chatty locals, and watch for Fungie, the beloved dolphin who famously made the harbor his home for decades.
Stop 6: The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
Drive time: 3 hours
Looping back north, the Cliffs of Moher, jagged rocks dark and sea-sprayed from the rough waves below, rise over 200 meters above the Atlantic. These iconic cliffs are a geological formation 300 million years in the making and are home to many seabirds, including puffins. Visit O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 as a viewing platform, and learn about the cliffs’ cultural and ecological significance.
Stop 7: Galway, a city of art and energy
Drive time: 1.5 hours
After the cliffs, Galway buzzes with creativity and charm. Known as the “City of Tribes” for its 14 historic merchant families, Galway’s streets are alive with street performers, festivals and colorful shopfronts selling Claddagh rings, Aran sweaters and more. Explore the Latin Quarter, where you’ll find unique boutiques and cozy pubs serving seafood fresh from Galway Bay.
Stop 8: Untamed wilderness in Connemara
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Along Ireland’s western coast, Connemara’s wild beauty beckons. The region is famed for its rugged terrain, boglands and mountains. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a stunning lakeside estate with a fascinatingly tragic history and that was once a Benedictine monastery. Drive the Sky Road near Clifden for breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Ireland’s offshore islands.
Stop 9: Yeats country and coastal charm in Sligo
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Nestled along Ireland’s northwest coast, Sligo is famous for its connection to poet William Butler Yeats, who immortalized its mystical landscapes in his works. Visit Drumcliffe Churchyard to see Yeats’ simple gravestone, inscribed with his famous epitaph: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!” For nature lovers, a hike up Benbulben, one of Ireland’s most famous rock formations, for incredible countryside views. Or stroll along Strandhill Beach, a favorite for surfers and swimmers. Don’t miss the chance to try a seaweed bath, a unique Irish spa experience.
Stop 10: Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway
Drive time: 2.5 hours
From Sligo, drive along the coast into Northern Ireland to experience its vibrant capital and natural marvels. In Belfast, learn the story of the ill-fated Titanic at the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum, take a Black Taxi tour to hear about the city’s turbulent political history or discover the real-life filming locations from HBO’s “Game of Thrones”. An hour from Belfast lies the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago—or, as legend says, built by the giant Finn McCool to cross to Scotland. Nearby, cross the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff.
The journey home
Drive time: 2 hours
As your road trip comes full circle, enjoy one last scenic drive back to Dublin, soaking in the rolling hills and charming villages that make Ireland unforgettable. With the memories of winding roads, cozy pubs and stunning landscapes fresh in your mind, it’s hard not to start dreaming of when you’ll return.
Trip Summary
- Total days: 8-10 (depending on your pace and stops)
- Total driving time: Approximately 25-30 hours, about 3-4 hours of driving per day
- Total distance: Around 1,000-1,200 miles (1,600-1,930 kilometers)
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